Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of December 17, 2018
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane called the meeting to order at 12:41 p.m.
In attendance were: Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Kevin D. Lawlor and John J. Russotto; State’s Attorneys Richard J. Colangelo, Jr. (Stamford/Norwalk), Michael A. Gailor (Middlesex); Patrick J. Griffin (New Haven), Gail P. Hardy (Hartford), Margaret E. Kelley (Ansonia/Milford), Maureen T. Platt (Waterbury), Brian W. Preleski (New Britain), Stephen J. Sedensky II (Danbury), David Shepack (Litchfield) and John C. Smriga (Fairfield) and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Mark A. Stabile (Windham).
Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Austin, Jr., legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette, Jr., and Communications and Legislative Specialist Mark A. Dupuis.
State’s Attorney Colangelo made a motion to accept the minutes of the November 19, 2018, meeting. State’s Attorney Sedensky seconded the motion and it passed with no opposition.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane introduced Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Patrice Palombo for a briefing on the implementation of Public Act 18-5, An Act Concerning Dual Arrests and the Training Required of Law Enforcement Personnel with Respect to Domestic Violence. The initial response from police officers has been generally positive although concerns remain about section 2 (j) of the act. A draft form for use by police and prosecutors was presented. State’s Attorney Sedensky made a motion to adopt the form. The motion was seconded by State’s Attorney Gailor and passed unanimously.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane and the State’s Attorneys congratulated Attorney Palombo on her upcoming retirement and thanked her for her service to the Division.
State’s Attorney Colangelo reported on discussions by the Management Committee concerning Strategic Business Plans. The committee recommends development of a plan by the Deputy Chief State’s Attorney for Operations and a statewide plan by the Chief State’s Attorney.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported the Management Committee engaged in discussions with the Connecticut Association of Prosecutors on establishment of a Division ethics committee. Work continues on the Ethical Guidelines for Prosecutors as well as new policies on social media, political activity and workplace relationships.
State’s Attorney Preleski reported on his work as a member of a policy working group for Governor-elect Lamont’s transition team. The criminal justice issues group is expected to focus on the legalization of marijuana; a recommendation from State’s Attorney Preleski for highway safety provisions was not adopted.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported that the transition team appears interested in the Division’s Early Screening and Intervention pilot programs.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Lawlor cited the need to better explain what the Division does and the positive results of its work. It was suggested that the Division should participate in a January public meeting of the Connecticut Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported the Division continues the process of filling vacancies. The Division is hopeful of securing additional resources for Early Screening and Intervention. Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported positive response to the need for additional Information Technology/case presentation personnel.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported on a request from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Forensic Science Laboratory to discontinue “trigger pull” tests of firearms. The Division will request that the tests be conducted when requested.
The State’s Attorneys are encouraged to contact newly elected legislators and invite them to learn more about the Division’s operations in their districts.
Executive Assistant State’s Attorney Austin distributed information on training hours and those prosecutors who need additional training to meet requirements for this year. The individual employees are also being notified.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Lawlor reported on ongoing discussions on proposed legislation dealing with discovery in criminal cases. The Division is awaiting another draft of the bill from its proponents.
There being no further business, State’s Attorney Colangelo made a motion to adjourn the meeting. State’s Attorney Sedensky seconded the motion, it passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 2:02 p.m.